Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an organization that helps protect consumers financially?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers free access to financial education.
They have pages and pages of financial education, consumer tools and toolkits, budget and expense checklists, and much, much more to help you on your quest for financial brilliance.
Click on link below to explore :
Here is just a sample of some of their helpful financial education resource links:
Newcomer's Guides to Managing Money Publications:
Government Resources:
1.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
- Website: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- The CFPB offers a wide range of resources and tools to help consumers make informed financial decisions, including guides on managing money, understanding credit, and navigating the financial marketplace.
2.Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- Website: Federal Trade Commission
- The FTC provides consumer protection information, including resources on avoiding scams, understanding credit reports, and managing debt.
3.MyMoney.gov:
- Website: MyMoney.gov
- MyMoney.gov is a comprehensive resource provided by the U.S. government offering financial education materials for various life stages and financial goals, including saving for college, buying a home, and planning for retirement.
4.IRS Resources:
- Website: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- The IRS provides resources and publications on tax-related topics, including tax credits, deductions, and retirement savings options.
Non-Profit Organizations:
1.National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE):
- Website: NEFE
- NEFE is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving financial literacy through research, education, and resources. Their website offers articles, tools, and courses on various financial topics.
2.Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy:
- Website: Jump$tart Coalition
- Jump$tart Coalition is a non-profit organization focused on advancing financial literacy among students and young adults. Their website provides educational resources, lesson plans, and tools for educators and parents.
3.National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC):
- Website: NFCC
- NFCC is the largest and longest-serving nonprofit financial counseling organization in the U.S. They offer counseling services, educational resources, and debt management plans to help individuals achieve financial stability.
Educational Materials:
1.Khan Academy – Personal Finance:
- Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy – Personal Finance
- Khan Academy offers free online courses and tutorials on personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning.
2.Investopedia:
- Website: https://www.investopedia.com/ Investopedia – Personal Finance
- Investopedia provides articles, tutorials, and guides on various aspects of personal finance, investing, and economics.
3.Smart About Money (SAM):
- Website: Smart About Money
- SAM offers free online courses, tools, and resources to help individuals make informed financial decisions and improve their financial well-being.
Additional Info:
Government Resources: Explore resources provided by government agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) & MyMoney.gov that provide information on budgeting, saving, investing, and avoiding scams, while the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is essential to get valuable financial information and consumer protection resources.
Non-Profit Organizations: Connect with non-profit organizations like the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), but there are also the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for free financial education resources and tools.
Contact Information:
Have questions or feedback? Contact us via email at ric@plushretirement.com, or fill out the contact form below. We’re here to help you on your journey to financial literacy and empowerment.
1. Library Resources: Public libraries often provide access to books, workshops, and online resources related to financial education. Many libraries also offer financial literacy programs and seminars.
2. Financial Institutions: Banks and credit unions may offer free financial education resources, such as workshops, seminars, and online courses. Some institutions also provide budgeting tools and calculators on their websites.
3. Online Courses and Webinars: Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, and Udemy offer free or low-cost online courses on a wide range of financial topics, including personal finance, investing, and retirement planning. Many financial institutions and nonprofit organizations also offer free webinars on financial literacy.
4. Personal Finance Blogs and Websites: There are numerous personal finance blogs and websites that provide free articles, guides, and tools on managing money. Some popular ones include The Balance, NerdWallet, and Investopedia.
5. YouTube Channels and Podcasts: There are many YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to financial education, covering topics such as budgeting, investing, and debt management. Some popular channels and podcasts include The Dave Ramsey Show, Graham Stephan, and The Financial Diet.
6. Community Workshops and Events: Local community organizations, churches, and schools often host free financial education workshops and events. These may cover topics such as budgeting, saving for college, and preparing for retirement.
Top 25 Financial Literacy & Education Books:
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki: This classic book explores the mindset and financial philosophies of two fathers — one wealthy and one poor — and offers practical insights on building wealth and achieving financial independence.
“Paychecks and Playchecks: Retirement Solutions for Life“ by Tom Hegna : Strategies for creating a retirement income that lasts a lifetime. Delves into the concept of “paychecks” (guaranteed income streams) and “playchecks” (discretionary income for leisure and enjoyment) to help retirees maintain their lifestyle while protecting against financial uncertainties in retirement.
“Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez: This book challenges conventional notions of money and happiness and provides a nine-step program for transforming your relationship with money, achieving financial independence, and living a meaningful life.
“How Money Works – Don’t Be A Sucker “by Steve Siebold and Tom Mathews: a comprehensive guide to understanding the principles of wealth accumulation and financial success. The book covers fundamental concepts related to money, including budgeting, saving, investing, and building passive income streams.
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill: Outlines principles such as the power of positive thinking, goal setting, and persistence, providing readers with a roadmap to unlock their full potential and attain financial abundance. With its practical wisdom and inspirational anecdotes, “Think and Grow Rich” continues to empower generations of readers to pursue their dreams and turn them into reality.
“Retirement Income Masters: Secrets of the Pros” by Tom Hegna: Hegna interviews top retirement income experts to uncover their strategies and insights for creating a reliable retirement income. Readers gain valuable advice on maximizing Social Security benefits, optimizing retirement savings, and navigating the complexities of retirement planning.
“Tax-Free Retirement”by Patrick Kelly: Introduces the concept of using specially designed life insurance policies to build tax-free retirement income. He explains how these policies can provide a source of tax-free income during retirement while also offering protection against market volatility and economic downturns
“Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All the Money You Will Ever Need” by Grant Sabatier Offers a roadmap to achieving financial independence through smart investing, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle design.
“Stress-Free Retirement”by Patrick Kelly: Practical advice and actionable strategies for minimizing financial stress during retirement. Addresses common concerns and challenges that retirees face, offering solutions to help individuals achieve peace of mind and financial security in their golden years.
“The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason: Set in ancient Babylon, this timeless classic offers financial wisdom through parables and stories, teaching fundamental principles of wealth building, saving, and investing.
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham: Widely regarded as one of the greatest investment books of all time, this classic text offers timeless wisdom on value investing and navigating the stock market with a focus on long-term success.
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi: Ramit Sethi provides a six-week personal finance program designed to help young adults master money management, automate their finances, and achieve their financial goals without sacrificing their lattes.
“The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” by John C. Bogle: Vanguard founder John C. Bogle presents his philosophy of low-cost, passive index investing and explains why simplicity and consistency are key to long-term investment success.
“The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey: Dave Ramsey provides a step-by-step plan for getting out of debt, building an emergency fund, and creating a solid financial foundation through budgeting and smart money management.
“Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together” by Erin Lowry: Geared towards millennials, this book offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and navigating common financial challenges faced by young adults.
“A Random Walk Down Wall Street” by Burton G. Malkiel: This book provides an overview of different investment strategies and argues for the efficiency of the stock market, advocating for a passive, index-based approach to investing for most individuals.
“Don’t Worry, Retire Happy!: by Tom Hegna: “Don’t Worry, Retire Happy!: Seven Steps to Retirement Security” – In this book, Hegna outlines seven steps that individuals can take to ensure a financially secure retirement. He emphasizes the importance of proper planning, understanding retirement risks, and making smart investment decisions to achieve a worry-free retirement.
“The Simple Path to Wealth” by JL Collins –Introduces a clear strategy for reaching financial self-sufficiency via index fund investments and maintaining a lifestyle beneath one’s means.
“Money: Master the Game” by Tony. Robbins: Shares revelations garnered from conversations with financial authorities and presents a tailored seven-step roadmap for attaining financial independence.
“The Wealthy Barber” by David Chilton: Unveils financial wisdom through a compelling narrative, providing actionable insights on saving, investing, and cultivating wealth.
“The Automatic Millionaire” by David Bach: Champions the streamlining of financial processes for seamless wealth accumulation, underscoring the potency of sustained, incremental actions.
“Prepared for a Lifetime” authored by Scott Trench. : Provides pragmatic guidance on attaining financial autonomy at a young age through strategic career decisions, diligent saving, and astute investment practices.
“Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny” by Suze Orman : Addresses unique financial challenges faced by women and provides actionable advice for achieving financial security and independence.
“Delve into “Pension Predicament” by Robert Kiyosaki, explores the current global pension crisis the mismanagement & systematic corruption that caused it, and what tens of millions around the world who expected to have pensions, can do about it.
“The Bogleheads‘ Guide to Investing” by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, and Michael LeBoeuf – Provides a straightforward approach to investing based on the principles of Vanguard founder John C. Bogle.
Educational Links and Videos:
Investopedia Video: Compound Interest Explained: https://youtu.be/wf91rEGw88Q
Need to Invest Early : https://youtu.be/5beqHhziyhs
Compound Interest : https://youtu.be/GUnFPWH83tU
How to save for retirement : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWIxG1ftnAg
Impact of Taxes : https://youtu.be/zZYv6d4AprQ
What Is Sequence Of Returns Risk?: https://youtu.be/60hIn7ME8z0
Risks to your Retirement: Sequence of Returns Risk : https://youtu.be/VmcZQmV63Bw
Get the Basics on Indexed Annuities: https://youtu.be/BS3B2Ins4GI
IUL – Indexed Universal Life Insurance Explained : https://youtu.be/wX89Rk5pr6A
Financial Success – IUL For Kids : https://youtu.be/gIieZrg3_UE
Living Benefits : https://youtu.be/e7t0B2oDPWE
Retirement Planning using Life Insurance: https://sfgmembers.wistia.com/medias/873zh0titp
What is IUL : https://sfgmembers.wistia.com/medias/i7tn7w6542
How does IUL work? : https://sfgmembers.wistia.com/medias/jobj4ron57.
Strategic Accumulator IUL : https://sfgmembers.wistia.com/medias/igcn5d9jpb
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